I've been on 29 cruises including about 12 on Celebrity and 5 on NCL (with a 6th on the Epic next month). Although I've never been on the Dawn, I was on the Summit on the August 29th sailing to Canada and New England. If you loved the Summit, I don't think you'd be likely to love the Dawn although it would help to know more about you and your cruise preferences. Freestyle attracts a younger, livelier crowd and although the service on the NCL Sun has been excellent, it tends to be less consistent on NCL than it has been on Celebrity and the training is different (and not as good) as far as I can see. I also find the food on Celebrity better than on NCL and there is no comparison in the buffet... Celebrity is much better! On the other hand, it's fun to try new ships. There is that to recommend the Dawn and 9 days is a longer vacation than 7.

Have you been to any of these islands before? They are quite different. Although it's shorter, I prefer the Summit's itinerary because I like the islands better. Samana, when we were there last in January 09, was very undeveloped. That meant a long, bumpy ride on a terrible road in order to get to a lovely beach. Of course, that's also true of St. Lucia, but it's so lush, that it's worth it and the resorts are well developed and quite nice. We actually took a boat to our beach resort for the day rather than ride on the roads, which had a terrible reputation when we were there... not sure about now. We were not impressed with St. Kitts and you have a very short visit there... barely enough time for a very quick look and that's it. I also like to go in and out of San Juan and spend a few extra days there rather than Miami, but that could be a positive or a negative for you. If you go to St. Thomas, I always recommend Sapphire Beach - my favorite beach in the Caribbean for the beauty of its water - many shades of blue and I love the seagrape trees that line the beach - no need for an umbrella.

Please let me know what you decide to do and how it works out!

Agree w/ above. The Summit is a better ship, has a preferable route and embarkation point. Try to go to PR early or stay post cruise. I think you will be disappointed w/ the Dawn by comparison. JM2C. Larry

Celebrity Cruise generally better itinerary ship line

for me but if you like the more casual FreeStyle cruising

odds are great you will like the Dawn...

www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=265

Notice that the NCL cruise includes 2 days at sea, vs 1 on the Celebrity. If you don't like the ship that's significant.

These replies are so helpful! Thank you! We're going to go with the Celebrity and add a couple of days in Puerto Rico on the tale end.

Which brings up another question: We've been to San Juan before (stayed at the Gallery Inn and had a great time over 2 or so days in Old San Juan). We don't want to travel TOO far from the city (we'll dock Sat at 6am and fly out Monday at 11:30am), but I'd like to go somewhere with a nice beach--or at least a nice resort pool. Any suggestions?

Thank you again for all the help!
I was leaning toward the Celebrity and these comments really reassured me tha